Medical War – When will the fight end?

I’ve sat back and watched the media go hell for leather attacking pretty much every professional in the health industry for some reason or another, seemingly daily of late. In the past two weeks, I’ve looked on in total disbelief. Now it appears the ‘medical’ profession have piped in. I’ve sat back perplexed about comments where paleo is dangerous (but as Pete Evans shares his concern, McDonalds is somehow considered ‘safe’) or equally read comments from loved and trusted high profile Doctors, jumping on the bandwagon of how dangerous it can be to take your health into your own hands. I think I’ve heard it all. I know I’ve had enough. I’m also not into naming and shaming nor giving the websites any more traffic or attention, if you’re keen to learn more there, just open up your Facebook feed. But what pains me the most; I’ve worked with some fabulous Doctors, Paediatricians, Gynaecologists, Cardiologists, Obstetricians and more and they don’t talk like this. The majority of these comments are so far from the reality of what is actually going on. Suggesting that anybody other than a ‘Doctor’ doesn’t have a clue about health or wellness, it’s embarrassing. Seems, to make for good reading we should never let the truth get in the way of a good story. Social media has a lot to answer for. Ignorant health professionals, even more so.

I’ve sat it out. Mostly because I felt as though my heart had been torn out with the passing of my beautiful friend Jess. I didn’t want to let my emotion get in the way. But in my heart of hearts I knew there would come a time where I had to say something. I had to speak from my core belief, like so many of us are wanting to do. And if I get slammed, shamed upon, spat on or ridiculed – that’s not my business. Clearly though, I might strike a nerve. I’m ready to stand up and speak my truth. I couldn’t sit and watch any longer.

Today is the day I’m rallying for unity.

The more I’ve dug my head into science and modern medicine, the more I realise we’ve a lot to learn. I’m not here to say modern medicine doesn’t have answers, it most certainly does have plenty. But, for every phenomenal breakthrough, we turn a corner to yet another ‘theory’ or ‘idea’ about what we think the body actually does. Fact remains, nothing is certain. Research and ‘trials’ aren’t necessarily a good indication of reality. Then take my line of work as an example, because really that’s all I can base my experience on. I too, have some answers (but certainly not all of them). I too, have had wonderful success. It just goes to show, there are many ways to get the job done. If I break a bone, my first point of call wouldn’t necessarily be my local TCM Doctor, equally if I had a heart attack I wouldn’t rock up to my local homeopath for an operation. I’d head straight to emergency. Equally if I’m going to my GP for answers about how to balance my body – I might be at the wrong health professional. It’s so important to recognise, everybody has an equally important place. EQUALLY.

To say that one specific modality of care has all your solutions covered, to me is extremely ambitious. To stand up and say the rest are rubbish (especially when they are focused on maintaining health, not solely treating illness), quackery or hocus pocus or woo woo seems to me like we’re selling ourselves so short, we may as well be broke when there is a rich pool of knowledge just waiting to be tapped into and shared.

As I shared via social media just today, “It’s time. I have to ask today, when will we stop pushing? When will we come together as wellness professionals (of all varieties) and help move people towards a better self, TOGETHER. I am absolutely disgusted with the un-researched, ignorant and untrue articles, credible Doctors (or all kinds) are splattering across social media platforms. We are all in this together people. The sooner we can approach health form information rather than fear, the sooner we will experience health and wellness. We all have something to offer. Together.” This comment even gained the attention of many, including one of Australia’s top cardiologists who replied “Well said Nat.” My heart is still smiling with delight. Because we are in this together. It’s time to stop fighting against each other, placing blame, pulling each other’s choices apart and trying to hang one another. Knowledge is power, and I don’t know about you, but I don’t take so well to being abused in the process and having it jammed down my throat. Let’s keep sharing, keeping these discussions open and look at all the possibilities to achieve wellness and treat illness. Together!

My soul intention and vision has always been to share wellness information so that you, my reader can make your own informed decision. Something I know my wellness sisters have also maintained as their main focus. I’m not here to tell you what to do, I’m here to give you another view. I’m here to help you remove the fear and make decisions based on knowing what is right or the contrary – for you. Most importantly I want to remind you that nobody else can tell you what is right for you. Because nobody else is you. Best of all, our gut instincts never fail us – we all innately know what is best, but sometimes this can be screwed up by fear or choosing a treatment path mostly because somebody told us to. I’m not even saying that guidance isn’t right – that you shouldn’t trust your health professional, their are many wonderfully educated and experienced health professionals and I like to think all with a common goal. But come back to what is right for you and don’t worry about anybody else. Bottom line.

I lost a soul sister two weeks back. A woman of such integrity and strength. A woman who, after modern medicine couldn’t offer her further solutions, decided there had to be another way. And she did. She found her way, and although some have said otherwise, not in complete disregard and lack of support from what modern medicine still had to offer her. Who are we to say it was the wrong way, or otherwise. Who are we to stay she made a mistake? Who are we to even know. We are all in this together. We are all searching for the solution. We all have our place.

Rather than shaming one another it’s time to surrender to the fact that nobody has all of the answers. That many alternative therapies are the basis of modern medicine. That advocating for healthy living isn’t quackery – it’s the foundation of wellness. If we don’t start here, we’re doomed! That without progression, trial, error and mistakes we wouldn’t be here. That alternative therapies play a huge role. That modern medicine saves lives. That modern medicine does not have all the answers and that alternative therapies may, in some instances, come with far less side effects to achieve a better outcome. Imagine! All of us working together to make a collective difference. This can be a reality. All that needs to happen is that we stop trying to outdo each other. Acknowledge the difference we are ALL making towards saving lives.

It isn’t a competition. It’s not a race. Nobody has all of the answers and that we all have a beautiful, important role in moving ourselves towards health, together.

57 Comments

March 11, 2015By Diane Jurcola9:32 pm

Thankyou Nat, I hope it is ok to share these wonderful words of wisdom. Make peace with you plate and make peace with your medical mate. Cheers and I agree our friend was a beautiful soul who loved herself so much she would never have done anything to harm herself. She was brave and beautiful all the way through. I am a Naturopath and I feel the same way with all the hype. Cheers Diane

Thank you for being a voice of reason amongst the madness. I’ve been lost for words with some of the things that’ve popped up in my feed over the last week, and you’ve organised my thoughts beautifully. You know, just as Jess was, you too are a shining light. Much love. x

Nat, thankyou so much for writing such a heartfelt article. I’ve also watched on in anger over the last few weeks as ‘doctor’s’ have tried to trash Jess’s name for the sake of a good story, and I’m glad you’ve spoken up – she deserves it. I still remember that I tried everybody, including homeopaths and naturopaths and top gynaecologists before I got to you, and you were able to help me. It’s not that the other’s were ‘wrong’ it was just that for the problem I presented with you were ‘right’. xx

Here here Nat! I agree, in our practice we actively collaborate with our mostly supportive and at the very least tolerant medical counterparts in all aspects of medicine. Talking to each other with respect and recognising the role we all have to play is key to overcoming this devisive and destructive media feeding frenzy. In the puzzle of health we all have a piece to bring to complete the whole. We support your call for unity, respect and collaboration and consider it an essential cornerstone of the work we and all health practitioners do. Love your work. x Milly

Thank you so much Nat for this article. It saddens me to see the beautiful legacy that Jess left potentially be tarnished and used for the very thing she was standing up against. We need to work together. I also have worked with many doctors and all are very supportive and inclusive of natural/complementary therapies so it’s a shame the air-time seems to be dedicated to a small few intent on creating an us vs them culture in the media. Thank you for speaking up and being a shining light and talking reason on this matter. As a Kinesiologist, I feel even more supported knowing a fellow wellness sister is out there leading the charge – and I stand there with you as we are all in this together xx

Completely agree Nat! I am in my first year studying a Naturopathy degree and honestly have so much respect and room to appreciate all modalities of medicine.
We could learn so much from one another, not to mention what could be achieved if we all worked together and supported each other. After all, we are supposed to have the same goal, to heal the patient and do no harm. So let’s focus on getting people healthy and stop making them suffer and feel torn and conflicted, it’s only causing more stress and illness!!
Keep shining your bright light and speaking your wise words; I think you’ve helped and changed more lives than you realise.
xo

Thank you. I am a Chiropractor, Midwife and Nurse. My business partners and I have just opened an allied health clinic in Townsville. We have bought together many different western and allied/complementary modalities. Our aim is to nurture families and I am hoping in the process we will slowly show Australia that it is possible for all of these wonderful modalities to work together for the best outcomes for the families in our care. After all that is what is important.

Thanks Nat for sharing your views at such a vulnerable time. So many misinformed, fear and ego based comments and articles floating. I’m a health professional working in both the medical model and holistic health. I see both sides as well.

People taking responsibility for their health and listening to their own bodies should surely be commended not slandered? It is such a mirror of those not ready for such a mass awakening. Health professionals and Doctors fearing… but what if too many people take charge of their health? What will that mean for us? What about what we’ve been taught and what we believe? There is still so much hierarchy and ego in the traditional medical system and so so much fear in regards to alternative therapies, the fear of dying, fear of the unknown, so much ingrained culture that the Dr and “research” knows best. The general public are waking up and becoming empowered and it’s definitely making waves and the energy over the last few weeks has been unsettling. We are totally all in this together! Much love to you xx

well said nat! I have watched this happen over and over in the birth world. There is a place for everyone and I believe we could all learn from each other. It would be nice to even start the conversations! Keep speaking your truth! The world needs it. X

Thank you Nat…. Everything has it’s place. Thank you for articulating this. Your health choices are personal and should not involve judgement. My personal choice for myself and my family is holistic and lifestyle based. Saying that I still went and had my annual Pap smear and blood pressure check yesterday. Thanks again… Let’s stop the toxicity

Absolutely beautifully said, Natalie. We really do need to work as one for the sake of every patient and our own health. As a student of Nutrition at Endeavour college, I totally appreciate that food is only one tiny aspect of good health. I see a brilliant acupuncturist ( a modality I’m in awe of so lucky you!) and will see a GP for more acute issues should they arise. I love what you do from the readings. Keep up your great work and I’m sorry for your loss in your friend, Jess. Kind regards from Di. X

Nat! This is so spot on. I too have become so upset to see the types of articles being splashed around the last couple of weeks, it’s felt like part of my heart has been torn out. I don’t think there is ANYTHING to be achieved by throwing mud between modern medicine and alternative medicine let alone question the decisions that others have made in regards to what has been best for them. I was so HAPPY to stumble across this article today. Everyone is quick to say that natural therapies don’t work, by honestly a lot of what we advocate is healthy living and prevention. We might not have all the answers but neither does modern medicine and if we only worked together we could achieve so much more. So much respect for you x

I find it difficult in this sense to be someone vastly affected by vaccination- there is no support for me, no safe place because if I say I have had a terrible reaction I get lynched for being anti vaccination, but I’m not 100% pro either. I’m just a person who has had her lfie changed by something and can’t find any support for that within my community.

but who has supported me? My specialist with many years if training in the disease which the vaccination triggered. A Belgium specialist who studies it for life and surprise plenty of more natural health professionals.

The outrage and righteousness scares me- especially when it comes from those with good health who have never had to question their bodies or live with a body that is completely vulnerable every single day. It also silences me.

Thank You!
Last year I had 4 heart attacks yet nothing showed up in western tests. During the first attack my inner voice said loud + clear ‘You are having a heart attack’…..I had ALL the symptoms but Western Medicine couldnt give me answers. As a yoga teacher + healer I am already passionate bout natural health + trusted my intuition about what I needed + that has included reiki, reflexology, cranial sacral, clean food, yoga + kinesiology. My therapists agree that they were heart attacks + I’m very lucky to be alive. I have changed my life for the better. Be open to it all..

Well said Nat, I’ve been having the same thoughts lately. It’s saddening and frustrating to see the negative sentiments being splattered around social media, and it seems to get taken up so readily without thinking.
I am a Naturopath, and while I’ve certainly been brushed off by some medical professionals (usually before they have even read my letters) I have had the positive experience of working with in collaboration other doctors and specialists with shared respect and the mutual goal of doing the best for the patient. Like you were saying, the real world situation is quite different to what’s coming across on social media.

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”

Thank you for putting my thoughts into words Nat! We have been discussing this topic at our work over the last two weeks, when we learned about Jess’s passing. Working in a place that has a very holistic approach to healthy eating and wellness, it is refreshing to see this article – one that sheds light on the positives and the bigger, broader picture, the reason why we are in this together, rather than putting the focus on a one side fits all approach to living a healthy life. X

This is so well said Nat, and I hope this is shared around extensively so that all get to see this very balanced article. I think I have every reason to be very proud of this beautiful soul I happen to be the mother of! So proud!!

Yes!! This is so spot on, I actually have tears in my eyes! We, as humanity are meant to be a whole – yet we are constantly tearing each other apart. Growing up in a family, with a naturopath as a dad, we were (and still are) always under attack for what we believe in/practice. The hate we would get was/is ridiculous and was quite harmful when we were younger. Health is about loving yourself and providing well-being to yourself in a way that keeps you in a state of positivity – rather than fear. We all have pieces of the puzzle to work together to get our world back to a state of true health and harmony!! xxx

Really well put Nat.
I think sometimes, in people’s enthusiasm for their work, and their excitement at learning more about their profession, they can lose their way a bit.
Sometimes they need to step back and think about why they started on their journey in the first place. Was it for the money, the esteem, the good parking spot, to win arguments, or was it because they enjoyed helping people?

When your car’s playing up, the mechanic doesn’t know everything.
Often they refer you to an auto electrician, or a gearbox, exhaust or steering and suspension specialist.

Thank you Nat, I’m so over the rubbish, the name calling , the trolls who attack us because we choose to g down the natural health way…I’m currently studying Naturopathy and Psychology….I was afraid to tell people that I am studying Naturopathy but now if they dont like well thats just too bad, because it has recovered me from my autoimmune disease, and saved the health of both my children, one was suffering PANDAS, the other CFS..both doing amazing these days…mainstream medicine could not help them…I will be pushing through the negative and soldering on with what I love …thank you Nat xx

Nat – this is exactly why. Why I follow your blog, read your books, take your advice into mind because it is balanced and unprejudiced and thoughtful and I know you have the best interests of everyone at heart. I am on a long road to balancing a hormone imbalance to have a baby and I was becoming majorly disheartened until stumbling onto one of your post last year! Just – thank you x

I am so grateful that you posted this. As someone who has taken steps to improve my health naturally, my heart aches that the message is being lost on so many people. TCM has helped me overcome issues with my cycle that conventional medicine couldn’t solve. I don’t discount the amazing work that doctors do to save lives and manage illness, but there are always options.

As a result I am going to embark on a journey to study Naturopathy which has attracted a great deal of criticism from ‘friends’ and the general public. If only we could get out of thinking there is a right and wrong and embrace the unity that we so strongly need!

Thank you, thank you, thank you Nat. Social media has left me feeling like utter crap for the past couple of weeks. I’ve felt outnumbered and like I didn’t have a voice, so I remained quiet (and deflated). In this post, you’ve put what I’ve been wanting to say into beautiful words… We ARE all in this together, there IS no competition. Why can’t we be so grateful that we have access to both modern medicine AND alternative therapies? We have a CHOICE! And we can choose both if we wish! Lets stop with the Us verses Them mentality. One common goal. No competition.

I agree with you 100% Nat, thank you for your passionate but sensible view. I have great hope that we can work as a community of health care professionals and support one another. I was once quiet for fear of criticism and judgement, but now speak out to help people trust again and bridge the gap between all the professions. The media seem to like the fights. Gladly many are now choosing their own form of news online and the mainstream will have less power to scaremonger, control and create dissidence.

So beautifully written Nat. I am a nurse but now work as a Facial Reflexologist so have worked in both conventional and complementary fields. I believe there is a place for both and so very often natural therapies will sort out an issue without the need for drugs. Other times drugs may be needed. Ultimately those of us who work in both conventional and complementary medicine are in it to improve the health of the client. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the medical field remembered this, gave the client options and allowed them to take some responsibility for their health.

Hi Nat, I follow your blog and I followed Jess’s too. I really believe in what you do. And I believe that there is a place for both a holistic and medical approach to living. I’m angry with the medical profession myself, they’ve let my family down in the past through sheer arrogance and I think that’s whats wrong with the industry. Too long has a doctor been on a pedestal. I also believe the pharmaceutical industry is behind a lot of the blogs etc that I’ve been reading lately, the holistic approach is obviously a little bit of a threat! There are both sides to a story and nothing is black and white. Please keep up your good work and I’m very sorry for your loss, Jess was an inspiration!

Totally agree with these comments. Imagine what could be done if all professions worked together with the one overall goal of helping the health of our community. It is so important to always follow our own instincts and our own beliefs!

I have shared, Nat. Thank you so much to us all in the wellness world, for articulating this message in such a beautiful, clear and intelligent way. Thank you and I agree with every word you’ve written. x

My daughter has a degree in nutritional medicine and naturopathy and fully advocates the balance between medical science and alternative therapies. Despite the fear mongering generated predominately by the media, most people have very balanced and sensible views and understand the difference between sourcing one or the other, or both! Like every industry there are the good and not so good, practitioners. I’m very glad to hear your point of view Nat and keep fighting the good fight!

As a ‘newbie health coach’, I have been watching this to-ing and fro-ing in the media recently with dismay. I LOVE your post and completely agree with your sentiments. Thanks for articulating so beautifully what I have been feeling. X

Well said – and about time someone did!. I feel that there is room for everyone’s thoughts and ideas, and after watching my Father battle cancer over the past four years all options should have the option for consideration. As long as we can still make our own choices it is all good. Funny how the wheel turns – I have been advocating buying local and organic/chemical free for years – taking my bags to a local farmers market each weekend. I have been laughed at – made a joke of and had many friends and family have a dig. But someone gets sick from berries from China and now ALL these people are calling me asking for food shopping information! Got to have a laugh and hope that it all will go around for those of us in the Wellness Game again soon xxx

Hi Nat,
I come from both sides of the fence, or all perspectives you might say. I work in the world of science and clinical development, yet I write a food blog and have a life long history of personal success with alternative therapies.
I’d really just like to thank you for your honest and heartfelt words. I too, keep my mouth shut on this debate because I fear getting shot down, being discredited and worse, getting sucked into something that can become very negative.
Thank you for your honesty, your recognition of the human body as the wonderful and mysterious organism it is and for putting a positive spin on what has otherwise become a petty debate and power struggle. Kind regards, Nicola

Thank you Nat, I think your words will resonate with many people. We are all unique, and how wonderful is that! I’d love to see a day when we can listen to our own bodies and be helped by many different modalities, without the fight or the guilt. You’re so right, we are all in this together when Wellness is our goal.
Cat xx

Thank you Nat for not only using your brain to educate yourself with facts but also with a clear perspective of the world and it’s workings. My mother has recently found a specialist to help her with her thyroid and has agreed to try a natural course which no other specialist was willing to let her try (she did her own research after nothing prescribed worked), and lo and behold…..she’s finally on the up, after at least a decade of not being able to function properly in daily life. There are other answers out there for people’s problems and anything is possible when you truly open your mind up to every avenue of healing. After all, isn’t that what we’re all striving for?

Sorry Nat, but this post is bonkers. I believe in science. Many alternative therapies eschew scientific evidence in favour of personal experience – and you said it yourself, “Research and ‘trials’ aren’t necessarily a good indication of reality. Then take my line of work as an example, because really that’s all I can base my experience on.”… meaning you don’t practice from evidence based perspective. Science KNOWS it doesn’t know everything, and that’s why it still exists. Don’t claim that you want to “rallying for unity” when you’re also attacking modern medicine. The medical profession is not perfect, by no means. But they send a strong message against irresponsible and negligent “health information” because it deceives the masses, and could potentially be harmful. (e.g. choosing natural therapy for cancer has no evidence to support it can cure cancer, and thus, the medical profession is sending a strong message to cancer sufferers so they can take appropriate treatment to extend their chances of living). It is completely ignorant to say that all alternative medical systems can have an equal place in the “wellness industry” because many DON’T WORK. It’s just as bad to accept CAM out of hand as it is to dismiss them completely without further research.

Thanks for your insight Mariam – looks like we may need to agree to disagree. Implementing an appropriate diet and lifestyle approach alongside integrating treatment methods across the board; I can’t see how this will fail anybody. I can only speak from my experiencing using medicine of all variety and that is that many do work.

I absolutely agreed with what you express in your writing. I often remind myself to allow my clients to make decision what they wanted to do with themselves rather than telling them what they should do. It is easy to say than done, I know but I practice everyday to be a better person and let my example to teach and educate other how to live in healthy lifestyle with happiness. Thank you for your article and I share it on my facebook. =)